Everyone, as some point in their lives, requires medical treatment. All hope that any treatment is only for minor ailments or injury. However, the reality is that many people will be in need of emergency care, and few will have prepared for such an event. Some simple, background knowledge can be invaluable, should the unthinkable happen, and you, or a loved one, requires emergency medical assistance.
Whether you are a Thai national, tourist, working expat or retired in Thailand, there are many choices as to health care in the kingdom. Bangkok in particular has many hospitals, some better than others. Of course, the best hospitals have doctors, surgeons and nursing staff who are trained to exacting, international standards. But what should you look for, and what can you expect from a medical emergency service?
Comprehensive Emergency Medical Care for the Whole Family
Most people living in the country are not alone. There are partners, children and parents, and very likely an extended family, all of whom at some point may require emergency medical help. It is essential that everyone has access to, not only general care, but to specialist treatments such as, pediatrics and geriatrics. Only hospital groups that have a medical skills pool in depth can provide comprehensive emergency care for all the family.Living in Thailand and Emergency Medical Care
Ideally, medical care needs to be easily accessible. This is best obtained from a medical care organization that has numerous, strategically sited centers with good road links, making accessibility easy for all. People require all manner of medical services, different treatments, surgical procedures and emergency trauma care. Providing direct, coordinated and comprehensive care can only be delivered through an all-encompassing hospital group.Anyone, through no fault of their own, can become an accident victim. Fast and efficient emergency service is vital following an accident. Modern quality hospitals will operate a well-practiced “Code Trauma” protocol. This is an all-encompassing system that covers the whole emergency process, from the first emergency call to post care.
At the time of an emergency call, through a sophisticated and comprehensive communication system, an ambulance should be dispatched within 2 minutes. The vehicle should be equipped with modern, trauma equipment and be staffed by highly qualified first responders. The professionalism of these technicians is of the utmost importance in delivering, often lifesaving, immediate trauma care.
On arrival at the hospital there should be no waiting time. Certificated emergency medical technicians (EMTs) should be ready to admit a patient. Qualified surgeons and nurses must also be immediately available. It is essential that major trauma surgeons are available 24 hours a day, along with advanced trauma and cardiac life support nurses.
Modern, efficient hospitals will have a fully functioning operating theater available and staffed within 30 minutes of notification. It is essential that theaters are fitted out with state-of-the-art monitoring and lifesaving equipment, this, along with qualified staff, saves lives.
Following an accident, immediate trauma care and possibly theater treatment, continued specific care will be required. This will be care that is individualized to each patient’s rehabilitation needs. There is a multitude of treatments that may be required. The only way to be sure that any, and all treatments can be administered by an organization, is through a hospital group that has comprehensive depth of medical expertise.
Visitors to the Kingdom and Medical Care
Being a visitor to the country can, in many ways, increase the risk of being the victim of an accident. Being on holiday creates a carefree attitude which can, unwittingly, put a person at a greater risk of being involved in a hazardous situation. Also, being unfamiliar with local practices and hazards, such as driving etiquette, will increase the chance of becoming an accident victim.Visitors, just as residents, may require comprehensive, emergency medical help, but there is the added complication of the patient being away from their home country. After an accident, a visitor to the country will want to be confident that, after the prompt, efficient emergency care, they will be repatriated to their homeland.
Internationally accredited hospital groups are able to communicate, and coordinate medical care, with other medical centers around the world. Where necessary, specialist international transport will need to be organized. This level of international cooperation can only be provided by a high profile, highly professional organization.
Visitors to the kingdom will undoubtedly have medical insurance. In the unfortunate event of needing emergency medical assistance, a visitor needs to be confident that a medical facility will be able to deal with, and process, their insurance through their provider. Internationally accredited hospital groups have comprehensive policies in being able to deal with insurance companies around the world. With 80% of insurance companies now being members of the Association of International Medical Insurance Providers (AIMIP), major hospital groups can quickly process a patient’s insurance, ensuring there is no delay to any emergency treatment.
Choosing Your Medical Treatment Provider
Whether living in, or visiting Thailand, knowing there is a comprehensive emergency medical service available, which matches your circumstances, provides peace of mind. It is necessary to be sure you have access to a provider which has a first-class emergency service, major trauma centers, and on-going treatment which covers all areas of the medical profession.In the kingdom of Thailand there are the Samitivej Hospitals. This is a modern, technically advanced group of treatment centers based across the capital. Throughout this group, all aspects of medical care are professionally covered with highly skilled medical technicians using state of the art equipment. This is backed up by professional administration and communication systems which are able to coordinate every patient’s treatment.
Whether it’s a short stay, or you are living in Thailand, you need to confident that you are medically covered, in all aspects of your health. Be it sickness, injury or major trauma your emergency health needs are covered here.
